Abstract:
An apparatus and method for separating, harvesting and primary dewatering microalgae biomass from a microalgae solution by destabilization thereof with addition of kinetic energy thereto is disclosed. The method to overcome the energetic barrier preventing a fluid-solid separation comprises injecting the microalgae solution in an electrolytic system comprising an electrocoagulation reactor generally comprising an anode module and a cathode module, the anodes and the cathode(s) being adapted to be electrically connected to perform electrolysis, thus separating, harvesting and primary dewatering microalgae biomass. Such process is generally achieved by providing a DC electric current, between the anodes and the cathode(s), to perform the separation of the biomass in the solution, in preparation the following process steps of for liquid/solid separation and primary dewatering.
Abstract:
An electrolytic system for treating wastewater by electrocoagulation, electroflotation or a combination of both is disclosed. The electrolytic system comprises a first electrolytic reactor adapted for receiving the wastewater to be treated, the first electrolytic reactor comprising at least one cathode and at least one anode to perform a first electrolytic treatment for eliminating organic matter and calcium present in the wastewater that impact on nucleation of struvite; and a second electrolytic reactor downwardly connected to the first electrolytic reactor, the second electrolytic reactor comprising at least one cathode and at least one magnesium anode to perform a second electrolytic treatment for producing Mg2+ ions which react with NH4+ and orthophosphates from said wastewater to form a struvite precipitate. The electrolytic system allows eliminating simultaneously orthophosphate and ammonium from the wastewater while enabling the production of struvite.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for separating, harvesting and primary dewatering microalgae biomass from a microalgae solution by destabilization thereof with addition of kinetic energy thereto is disclosed. The method to overcome the energetic barrier preventing a fluid-solid separation comprises injecting the microalgae solution in an electrolytic system comprising an electrocoagulation reactor generally comprising an anode module and a cathode module, the anodes and the cathode(s) being adapted to be electrically connected to perform electrolysis, thus separating, harvesting and primary dewatering microalgae biomass. Such process is generally achieved by providing a DC electric current, between the anodes and the cathode(s), to perform the separation of the bio mass in the solution, in preparation the following process steps of for liquid/solid separation and primary dewatering.